1988 Ford Mustang vs. 2004 Ford Focus
To start off, 2004 Ford Focus is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Ford Mustang. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Ford Mustang would be higher. At 2,301 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Ford Focus (134 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 1988 Ford Mustang. (89 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Ford Focus should accelerate faster than 1988 Ford Mustang. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Ford Mustang weights approximately 33 kg more than 2004 Ford Focus.
Because 1988 Ford Mustang is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1988 Ford Mustang. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Ford Focus, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2004 Ford Focus (183 Nm) has 7 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Ford Mustang. (176 Nm). This means 2004 Ford Focus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Ford Mustang.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Ford Mustang | 2004 Ford Focus | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Mustang | Focus |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2301 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 176 Nm | 183 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1254 kg | 1221 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4570 mm | 4280 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2620 mm |
